Half-time report, Belgium 0-0 Panama: Debutants test Red Devils
Eden Hazard and co found it very hard to get through the Panama defence in the first half which ended goalless in Fisht Stadium.
Published : Jun 18, 2018 21:22 IST
The first half of the Group G match between Belgium and debutant Panama ended goalless. Belgium, boasting a forward line full of Premier League stars, started the first half with some incisive passes from Dries Mertens and Eden Hazard.
In the 12th minute, Hazard got hold of Roman Torres’ poor backpass, but shot straight into the side netting. Panama almost scored an own goal in the 21st minute when Roman Torres got in the way of his own goalkeeper, trying to clear a Kevin De Bruyne cross.
Hazard was able to get another shot of target in the 38th minute, but Jaime Penedo made a good save to keep it out. Panama grew looked less troubled as the clock ticked towards the half time despite De Bruyne making repeated runs down the left flank to draw defenders out of their line.